New Opel Astra OPC To Wear The Lotus Stamp

Opel will seek help from Lotus in order to give the new Astra OPC, expected to drop next year, an impeccable roadholding.

The launch of the Opel GTC Paris concept at the French auto show this fall, anticipated the coming of the next generation of the Astra model, but also of the performance version, signed by OPC. The Germans are currently testing the new three-door body version in Germany, on the GM testing tracks, in order to make the final touches.

But, for the OPC versions, the Germans will cross the English Channel to seek help at Lotus in adjusting the chassis. The Brits are not at their first partnership with Opel, the Lotus influences being also found on the previous OPC generation.

The German automaker will request expertises and son advises from Lotus, which will have to fint the optimum solution for a proper management of the new Opel Astra OPC power, estimated somewhere around 280 and 320 HP.

Even though the previous generations is enjoying an electronically controlled differential, the new model will use the services of a mechanical one, developed by Lotus. For the front axle, Astra OPC might borrow the configuration of the bigger performance brother, Insignia OPC.

The sporty derivate will debut in the same time with the coupe version of Astra, the launch date being scheduled for the end of next year.